Sonya Thurman

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Sonya Gibson Leonard Thurman went to be with her Lord and Savior following a short illness March 8, 2016. She was born April 3, 1935, in Seminole, OK, an only child, to Vernon and Grace Gibson. Sonya was raised in Joplin, MO, and graduated from Joplin High School in 1953. She married Larry Leonard June 4, 1954. Of that union, she had two children, Daniel Leonard, son, and Cynthia Leonard Middaugh, daughter. She later married Roy W. Thurman, the love of her life, and gave birth to Roy M. Thurman, son. She was blessed with two step-children, Rhonda Thurman, and Richard Thurman, whom Sonya considered her own. They were married for 19 years until he preceded her in death, June 28th, 1985. 

Sonya was a Joplin-Neosho, MO resident for most of her adult life. She worked at Southwestern Bell Telephone, Nicsinger Uniform Co. and was head cook for the doctors at Sale Memorial Hospital. She loved the Lord and served Him her entire life. From her early teens she taught Children’s Sunday School until poor health made it impossible for her to do so; taught VBS; sang in the Church choir; and was always ready to serve Him in any way she could. Sonya was a former volunteer with the St. John’s Hospital Auxillary. She was a member of the Neosho chapter of Widow to Widow; a member of Women on Mission, and current president of the Medicalodge Residents’ Council. She remained a witness and help to others every day.

Sonya loved her children and grandchildren dearly and enjoyed travelling, visiting and playing games with family and friends. She enjoyed fellowship with her Church family. She doted on her grandchildren and excelled in spoiling them.

Survivors include a son, Daniel Leonard and wife Carol, Neosho; a daughter, Cynthia Middaugh and husband Don, Lamar; a son, Roy Thurman and wife Linda, Granby; a daughter, Rhonda Thurman, Neosho; a son, Richard Thurman and wife Kim, Joplin; grandchildren, Nathan Leonard, and wife Jesse, Sarah Clark, Clayton Pannell and wife Keri, Coleman Pannell and wife Sarah, Christa Thurman, Nicholas Thurman, Tamsen Thurman; and nine great-grandchildren.

Visitation

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM, Thursday, March 10, 2016
Clark Chapel of Memories
312 S. Wood St. Neosho, Mo 64850

Services

10:00 AM, Friday, March 11, 2016
Clark Chapel of Memories
312 S. Wood St. Neosho, Mo 64850